The first break-in happened on Whitehouse Lane at around 7.30pm last Wednesday when three men smashed a ground floor window to gain entry to the house. They left empty-handed after the occupant arrived home and disturbed them.

The second happened on Milner Road between 6pm and 6.30pm on Thursday, where offenders gained entry to the house and stole a quantity of electrical goods and jewellery.

The third happened on Barnston Road between 7pm and 7.30pm, also on Thursday. Two mountain bikes were stolen and a window in the house was also forced open using gardening tools.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in these areas around these times to contact police.

It is believed the offenders used a vehicle.

DC Andy Kerr said: "We believe these incidents are linked. The three locations are close together and have all occurred in the early evening.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 0151 777 2265, or 0800 555 111.